A lot of hip-hop artists talk about giving back to the youth, but few actually follow up with serious actions. Enter the Figureheads. The Figureheads are a Wisconsin-based hip-hop group that has dedicated its last two albums to children and adolescents, creating songs that reach kids with real-life messages of understanding and hope.
The group, made up of three youth educators with backgrounds in therapy, mentoring and community service, is being recognized by educational programs all over the country for their ability to connect with kids through music. With an educational book and two highly-revered CDs already in circulation, the Figureheads have helped give rise to Kiddo Publishing, a non-profit which publishes resources that encourage and facilitate dialogue between children and adults. (more…)
On Sunday, August 26th, 2007, at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, Hip Hop icons Mos Def and Talib Kweli return for their tenth year as headline performers at the 10th Annual celebration of the highly anticipated and politically charged benefit concert known around the world as Black August Hip Hop Project (“Black August”).
Black August, a project of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM)—a non-profit organization, strives to facilitate exchanges between international communities by promoting awareness about the social and political issues that affect young people in their communities. Every year, the concert raises money in support of political prisoners in the U.S. unjustly incarcerated for their efforts to end racial and economic oppression. (more…)
S.E.L.F. “The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy” Album Review
It wasn’t until recently that I realized I feel more at peace listening to songs made famous during the time when I was in high school. The early to mid-90s to be exact; it’s just something about the hip-hop then that inserted a heavy anchor into my heart that will forever be embedded. But there are many new artists who are growing on me; many who might fit the mold overtime as well. S.E.L.F. could possibly be one of these groups. (more…)
Isaac T. Atkins III, aka M.I.A.3, is not your typical rapper. A pastor, husband, father and self-proclaimed “hip-hop head,” M.I.A.3 intermixes the stage and the pulpit as the head emcee of Chicago’s House Hip-Hop Church, an organization that aims to transform the lives of teenagers and adults influenced by hip-hop culture.
As part of the rapidly growing Holy Hip-Hop movement, M.I.A.3 uses his love for hip-hop as a tool to reach fellow hip-hoppers with the message of Christ, and serves as yet another example of hip-hop’s ability to positively inspire, motivate and empower youth and adults alike. (more…)
C-Rayz Walz “Chorus Rhyme” Album Review
From my perspective, C-Rayz Walz is an emcee that has been victimized by the hyper-masculine know-it-all braggadocio attitude of music critics. Despite being one of the dopest and courageously-evolving rappers of our time, reviewers have dissed pretty much every album C-Rayz has ever made, and I think I know why. (more…)
Danny!, Def Jux recording artist and winner of MTVu’s Best Music On Campus contest, released his video for “Fly, Pt. 2″ this week, the first single from his independent album “Danny Is Dead.” Check the video below:
Below is a video for NYOIL’s “Unreal,” from his spectacular debut album “Hood Treason.” Underneath is a statement written by NYOIL that explains the meaning behind the video. Check it out!
On July 23, VH1.com launched “THE SCORE,” an online search to find the best, undiscovered hip hop producer in the country. VH1 will give one lucky producer the opportunity to heat up VH1’s fourth annual hip hop celebration by awarding him or her with the opportunity to create and produce the official score of the annual, televised event.
The winning score will be used during the broadcast of “VH1 Hip Hop Honors.” The creator will receive show credit and the opportunity to be mentored by an industry executive/producer during a session where the winning score will be professionally produced. (more…)
M.I.A.3 “Renewal 101″ Album Review
Where does one look to find happiness nowadays? When we look left there is violence, war and lies from our leaders. When we look right there is poverty, racism and a lack of guidance for many of our youth. For some, when looking ahead there is hope, change and improvement. But what do we see when we look within? When we look up? For M.I.A.3, Jesus Christ is kept in the forefront no matter what direction he looks in or goes, and this is evident after listening to Renewal 101. (more…)
Despite getting almost no exposure from the hip-hop media, which is undoubtedly too busy covering Remy Ma’s attempted murder charge or Michael Vick’s hip-hop influenced dog fighting ring, the Paid Dues Festival will begin this week.
The Paid Dues Festival will showcase underground hip-hop, and the advanced lyricism, political commentary and expert turntablism that continues to be ignored by the mainstream media. (more…)
A lot of hip-hop artists talk about giving back to the youth, but few actually follow up with serious actions. Enter the Figureheads. The Figureheads are a Wisconsin-based hip-hop group that has dedicated its last two albums to children and adolescents, creating songs that reach kids with real-life messages of understanding and hope.
On Sunday, August 26th, 2007, at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, Hip Hop icons Mos Def and Talib Kweli return for their tenth year as headline performers at the 10th Annual celebration of the highly anticipated and politically charged benefit concert known around the world as Black August Hip Hop Project (“Black August”).
Rating: 
Isaac T. Atkins III, aka M.I.A.3, is not your typical rapper. A pastor, husband, father and self-proclaimed “hip-hop head,” M.I.A.3 intermixes the stage and the pulpit as the head emcee of Chicago’s 
Rating: 
On July 23, VH1.com launched “THE SCORE,” an online search to find the best, undiscovered hip hop producer in the country. VH1 will give one lucky producer the opportunity to heat up VH1’s fourth annual hip hop celebration by awarding him or her with the opportunity to create and produce the official score of the annual, televised event.
Rating: 
Despite getting almost no exposure from the hip-hop media, which is undoubtedly too busy covering Remy Ma’s attempted murder charge or Michael Vick’s hip-hop influenced dog fighting ring, the Paid Dues Festival will begin this week.
